For some students, the comforts of the University campus provide a safety net that is difficult to leave. For other students, however, the chance to study in an unfamiliar culture is a challenge too good to pass up.
Jared Granier, National Student Exchange coordinator, said traveling to other universities or nations offers several benefits to students.
Granier said one of the main benefits is allowing students the chance to see something new.
Students can choose from several locations around the world, including London, Germany, Paris, West Africa, the British Isles, Belize, Spain, Greece and Ireland.
In addition, Granier said being able to put world experience on a resume after graduation can greatly aid in job searches.
“It can definitely set you aside from the other thousands and thousands of graduates,” Granier said.
Tia Tucker, an international studies senior, spent 10 months in the south of France studying at a political science school.
“It was amazing,” Tucker said. “I think it was life-changing.”
Tucker said studying abroad gave her the opportunity to live independently and think about her ideals.
“It changed the way I think about a lot of things,” Tucker said. “I think it made me a better American, and I like my country all the more for it.”
Granier said while some students have shown a little more apprehension and caution after the events of Sept. 11, the number of students wishing to travel has not decreased dramatically.
“The apprehension is fading away,” Granier said. “I think students may be feeling a little more sense of security.”
Tucker said while she was a bit “spooked” when she first arrived in France, with a new culture and new surroundings, her fears quickly subsided.
“I think people were nicer to me when they realized I was an American,” Tucker said.
Granier said the summer programs are a bit more structured than the semester or year-long programs.
“The summer programs are led by LSU faculty,” Granier said. “It’s a smaller group atmosphere, similar to a field trip or summer camp.”
However, Granier said the semester and year programs give students more independence to work and study in another country.
“We definitely try to concentrate on preparing them for that, as well as when they get back, but you experience it more on your own,” Granier said.
Kevin O’Keefe, Academic Programs Abroad coordinator, said the University does offer study abroad scholarships to students who qualify.
In addition, O’Keefe said TOPS generally covers the cost for Louisiana students who participate in the semester or year programs.